Sanguisorba minor, commonly known as Salad Burnet, is a hardy, herbaceous perennial valued for its fresh cucumber-flavoured foliage and delicate ornamental appeal. Forming neat clumps of finely divided, mid-green leaves, it provides attractive groundcover and soft texture in herb gardens, borders and naturalistic planting schemes.
From late spring to summer, slender stems carry small, rounded crimson flower heads above the foliage, adding subtle vertical interest. The young leaves are edible and traditionally used in salads, sauces and drinks, where their light, refreshing flavour is most pronounced.
Salad Burnet thrives in well-drained soil and performs particularly well in sunny positions, though it will tolerate light shade. Drought tolerant once established and easy to grow, it is suitable for cottage gardens, wildlife planting and informal herb areas.
Key Features:
Fresh, cucumber-flavoured edible leaves
Attractive clumps of finely cut foliage
Subtle crimson flower heads in summer
Suitable for herb and cottage gardens
Fully hardy in the UK
A versatile and low-maintenance perennial, Sanguisorba minor combines culinary use with ornamental value, offering reliable performance and gentle seasonal interest.
Sanguisorba Minor (Salad Burnet, SAMI)
Plant Factfile
Height
30-60cm (including flower stems)
Spread
30-45cm
Soil
Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, sandy or chalky soils; prefers neutral to alkaline conditions
Flowers
Small, rounded crimson to reddish-brown flower heads on slender stems, June to August
Position
Full sun to light partial shade
Hardiness
H7 – Hardy in the severest European continental climates (fully hardy throughout the UK)
What you’re buying
Plant images are used for illustrative purposes only, so you know what your plant will look like once fully grown.
You’re purchasing your chosen size of plug plant (by selecting “Plant Size” option above).
Mini Plugs: Each plug is approximately 15mm sq, containing tender young seedlings in need of pricking out and potting on to grow before being planted out.
Midi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 20mm sq, plants are a little more mature than the mini's, can sometimes be planted out if the weather is good and the last frost has passed.
Maxi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 30mm sq, plants are more mature, sometimes over a year old, which can mean well developed root systems and/or fewer leaves due to winter dormancy or cutting back. Generally hardened off and garden ready, though for best results good weather is preferred for planting out.
Full information about plant sizes, including pictures, can be found here.
Delivery & Dispatch
Delivery Costs
£3 flat rate delivery on all orders under £50
Free delivery on orders over £50
When Orders Are Posted
Orders are normally posted on the Tuesday following your order. This helps us work efficiently and also reduces unnecessary trips and emissions. In most cases, after Tuesday posting your plants should arrive before the weekend.
Packaging & Plant Care During Transit
Our plugs are gently squeezed and carefully packed into breathable, unsealed plastic bags. The plants are then packed into recycled cardboard packaging wherever possible.